World watch

August 05, 2012|By Larry Habegger and Laurie Weed, Special to Tribune Newspapers

England

An Olympic tourist from Canada spent two days in a London jail cell for trying to sell his unwanted tennis tickets on the street. Police arrested the 38-year-old man Saturday, and because his case could not be heard until Monday, he spent two of his 10 vacation days in custody. In court, the man explained that he had bought the tickets legally before arriving but changed his mind about attending the tennis event when he failed to find the friend who was supposed to meet him there. He then tried to sell the tickets at face value to recoup his cost, unaware that it was illegal. Considering the circumstances — and time served — the judge waived the standard fine of about $470 and let him go.

India

The world's largest blackout to date brought India's northern and eastern states to a standstill July 30. The outage, which lasted two days in some areas, affected half of the country's 1.2 billion people in 22 of 28 states, disrupting rail services, traffic lights and subways and creating widespread travel gridlock. Airports, major businesses and hospitals continued to function on backup power. The cause of the blackout was unclear, but such failures are common throughout India because overloaded power grids.

Indonesia

Along with Bali's increase in spiritual tourism, the famous paradise island is contending with a number of reports that could tarnish its peaceful, relaxing image. A recent surge in drug-trafficking incidents, prostitution and reported HIV infections indicate that not all is well. In addition to the negative headlines, many visitors are shocked by skyrocketing prices on imported alcohol and food, often much higher than they would pay for the same item at home. Bali welcomed more than 2.7 million visitors in 2011 and hopes to exceed that number this year.

Mexico

A gang of 15 to 20 armed men invaded Plaza Kukulkan, a popular luxury shopping center in Cancun's "hotel zone" July 19. After firing guns into the air and ordering customers to the ground, they robbed several jewelry stores, escaping before police could be called. No injuries were reported. Cancun is Mexico's top tourist destination, and the resort hotel zone is separated from the city by a coastal road. It has a low crime rate and generally is considered safe.

Uganda

The World Health Organization has confirmed an outbreak of deadly Ebola virus in western Uganda. A total of 20 cases have been reported since early July, with 14 deaths. The disease infects primates and is passed to humans who eat their meat; it then spreads from person to person through direct contact with bodily fluids. There is no treatment for the often fatal infection. The likelihood of visitors contracting Ebola is low, but travelers should avoid "bushmeat" or wild game.

Compiled from news services and travel sources. For updates, check with the State Department at 888-407-4747, travel.state.gov